Two men are behind bars after Union Tobacco Store was burglarized late Thursday night and three bags of chips were stolen.
Joe L. Harrison, 21, and James E. Eakes, 18, were booked into Newton County Jail at 4:55 a.m. Friday and charged with burglary of a commercial dwelling.
Union Police Chief Billy Pat Walker said a juvenile was also involved in the burglary; however, his name is not being released due to his age.
“There were the two adults and a juvenile,” he said.
Walker said the suspects gained entry to the Tobacco Store by breaking out the front glass and setting off the alarm.
“They stole three bags of potato chips,” he said. “I think that alarm went off and it scared them.”
Union Police officer Kenny Chipley was near the Tobacco store when the alarm call came in, Walker said. He, along with Assistant Chief Mitch Kennedy contacted the store owner, who helped them access the stores video surveillance system.
“Within 30 minutes, Officer Kenny Chipley and Assistant Chief Mitch Kennedy had them in custody,” he said. “The officers did an outstanding job.”
Walker said he wanted to recognize his officers for the swift response and investigative skills they showed to quickly bring the incident to a close.
The surveillance footage of the suspects could not be publicly released because of the incident involving a juvenile, Walker said. However, he said all three suspects were caught on camera.
